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Please see news below from our school and across the Limestone District School Board:

Expression of Remembrance and Honouring Residential School Survivors

The Limestone District School Board has a commitment to both teaching and learning the truth, and taking strides towards meaningful action that reflects reconciliation and right relations with the Indigenous communities in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. For the month of September, the LDSB education centre (board office) will fly the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnctr.ca%2Fexhibits%2Fsurvivors-flag%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7Ce45ab465e6904118d44408dcd1d125ce%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638615943422755969%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KLcmWysLuHFJldX%2B%2Farah23hj7XS%2BgA2SIcQFEf2dSo%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Original URL: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">Survivors’ Flag</a> as an expression of remembrance and to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities who continue to be impacted by the Residential School System in what is now known as Canada. September 30th is a day to intentionally continue learning about the Residential School System and the truthful history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This is a day to mourn the lives of the children who never came home and honour the Survivors, as well as their families and communities.  This day is part of a larger conversation of colonization and systemic inequities, and the recognition of Indigenous resiliency and resistance to colonial tactics should be included as part of this learning.

2024-09-10 20:29:16.712 +0000 UTC

New Requirements Regarding Cell Phones and Vaping

To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, the LDSB, along with all Ontario school boards, is currently revising its Code of Conduct to reflect new guidelines from the Ministry of Education about cell phone/mobile device use and vaping in schools as per <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-rules-provincial-code-conduct" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.</a> The regulations, as outlined in LDSB's Code of Conduct, Administrative Procedure 350 and Administrative Procedure 146, are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse among students, and restricting the use of cell phones at school. Additionally, school boards are required to limit access to some social media platforms (e.g. Snapchat, Tiktok, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) on school networks and devices, allowing use only for educational purposes as directed by educators.PPM 128 addresses the critical need for school boards to enforce restrictions on the personal use of mobile devices within schools. This includes ensuring that policies are in place to regulate when and how mobile devices may be used by students, to minimize distractions, protect privacy, and promote an environment conducive to learning. As directed by the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128</a> the updated Provincial Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all students to follow strict anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines, starting in September 2024. In response to the PPM 128, the following <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/policies-procedures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">LDSB procedures</a> will be reviewed and updated as required during Fall 2024: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 146: Digital Citizenship </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 164: Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Environments </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 350: Codes of Conduct                                                                                                                                   </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 351: The Use of Electronic Communication, Social Media, and Mobile Devices by Students  </li></ul>LDSB staff is working with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health to create vaping education and prevention resources. More information will be available for parents/caregivers and students in the 2024-2025 school year.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Mobile devices in schools - what does this mean for students?   </h2>Students must not use cell phones and other personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following conditions: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">For educational purposes, as directed by an educator </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">For health and medical reasons </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">To support special education needs </li></ul>When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school. If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight and either powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.   What parents/caregivers can do:  You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Read <a href="https://mediasmarts.ca/four-tips-managing-your-kids%E2%80%99-screen-time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time</a> </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Explore <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/problem-gambling--technology-use-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) </a>services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Explore<a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Info-sheet-helping-your-child-manage-digital-technology.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link"> School Mental Health Ontario </a>resources to help you manage your child’s screen time </li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Vaping and smoking - what does this mean for students?   </h2>The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. LDSB Administrative Procedures 164, 146, and 350 outline the procedures for maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free environment. What parents/caregivers can do: If your student vapes, help is available to quit. The <a href="https://www.quashapp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Quash App</a> is a great place to start. If your student does not vape, now is the time to <a href="https://www.quashapp.com/conversations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">have conversations</a> about why they should not start. <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"> <a href="https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Substances-at-a-Glance-Vaping.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Drug Free Kids Canada has a fact sheet</a> with ideas about how to talk to your child about vaping, as well as general information about vaping. </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Resources are available through <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/vaping.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health</a> </li></ul>

2024-09-04 18:00:10 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten students sitting on a carpet listening to a teacher read a book

Reminder: First Day of School is Wednesday, September 4, 2024

A reminder to all students and families that the first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year is Wednesday, September 4, 2024.Tuesday, September 3 is a Professional Activity (P.A.) Day for Limestone staff, and there are no classes for students.We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students to Limestone classrooms on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. We know families are busy preparing for the first day of school as well. Here is a suggested list of what Kindergarten students need to prepare to bring on their first day of school:  <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">A full-sized backpack/knapsack to carry everything they will need to pack up everyday. </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">An insulated lunch bag, and a water bottle with spout. </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">A peanut free/nut free lunch and snacks. </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Indoor and outdoor shoes they can put on and off themselves (e.g., Velcro or slip on) </li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Comfortable clothes and a complete change of clothes in a Ziploc bag, just in case. </li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Everything labelled with your student’s name. </li></ul>Schools will supply all school supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, glue sticks, etc.

2024-08-27 14:00:30 +0000 UTC

Aug 21 Boardroom Briefs News Story Images

Boardroom Briefs Aug. 21, 2024

Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees. The following are highlights of the August 21, 2024, Committee of the Whole Board Meeting. Board Meeting Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  All meetings begin with an Acknowledgement of Territory: “The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Chair's Report</h2><figure><img src="/images/dea058a1-e5d6-46f9-a75e-2526a81dc7b3?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036" alt="A photo of Chair Robin Hutcheon " width="192.89927673339844" height="249.9284521466078" style="float:right"><figurecaption>Photo of Robin Hutcheon, Chair of the Board</figurecaption></figure>We look forward to welcoming students, families, and staff to a new school year in just over a week. I know my children are looking forward to returning to classes on Wednesday, September 4.    I am excited about the new school year, and I am confident this year will be characterized by great collaboration, learning and success, for everyone - staff and students alike.     Over the summer, we have updated the Board’s Director of Education Performance Appraisal schedule, as required by Ontario Regulation 83/24. This new, annual assessment will be based on both mandatory criteria and any specific priorities set by our school board.   Previously, we conducted these appraisals every two years, after the Director’s first year of employment.     Trustees have formed a committee to handle this annual appraisal, finalized the performance plan and evaluation cycle, informed the Minister of Education, and posted the information on the board’s website, as required by the regulation.      As we will see tonight, the Board’s Strategic Plan continues to evolve from community input and feedback. Director Burra will provide a report on the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and new branding, finalized over the summer, and I am excited to see the fresh approach.    Trustees are fully committed to supporting student and staff success over the coming months, and I look forward with optimism and excitement to another great year in Limestone.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Director's Report</h2><figure><img src="/images/4873d4b7-cc29-5314-bbad-a4938f269261?fingerprint=ppb20251217013700" alt="" width="187.98561096191406" height="243.4213629537057" style="float:right"><figurecaption>Photo of Krishna Burra, Director of Education</figurecaption></figure>I am pleased to provide an update tonight as we prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.  I hope everyone found themselves with some holiday time this summer to enjoy time with family and friends. In reflecting on this summer, it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to recharge and reflect on the important work we do collaboratively to support children and youth in the Limestone community.  With the summer season, schools were not running as they do for the other ten months of the year. However, there were lots of activities for students this July and August. Similar to last summer, over 300 students participated in Camp Read-A-Lot, and over 700 secondary students participated in the summer session earning credits.  In addition, almost 450 students participated in outdoor education programming offered at some schools, at Gould Lake, and/or on outdoor education trips. It should also be noted that for the first time, Limestone successfully offered a travel for credit summer course in English and French for Grade 10 Civics/Careers. Trustees will receive a report in the fall providing more details regarding the range of summer programs that occurred in July and August. In addition, a considerable number of facilities work occurs in schools during the summer and Manager Fowler will provide a summary of this work in September.  We are looking forward to welcoming back staff and over 20,000 students as the school year starts. While over 99% of students will be in face-to-face classrooms, Limestone continues to offer a virtual option for some students. Regardless of the format of learning, Limestone will continue to do its best to meet students where they are and support student well-being. Mental health and well-being are essential conditions for learning of all students.   We look forward to Limestone schools welcoming students back on Wednesday, September 4, with a full range of activities to be available for students in the 2024-2025 school year. As a reminder, we are starting the school year with a PA Day on Tuesday, September 3. With almost all labour agreements behind us, we can expect stability on that front for the next couple of years. We all know that extracurriculars like sports and clubs, full arts programming, and field trips are of tremendous value. As Trustees know, all these student activities are made possible by the generous time provided by staff and some community members. I think I speak for everyone in expressing our gratitude to the staff and community members that provide these valuable experiences and services to Limestone students.    This evening there are some routine, cyclical reports coming to Trustees, but I also look forward to sharing with you an overview of new branding related to the strategic plan that we will highlight in the system at the start of this school year with refreshed websites for Limestone and all schools. I know all of us share the importance of central messaging as part of the Strategic Plan: we want everyone to see themselves in Limestone and for us to make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.  As Trustees know, considerable work occurs by central departments: facilities, finance, human resources, and ITS during the summer months to ensure schools are ready for the school year. I would like to acknowledge staff in all departments for the important work they do throughout the year, but also during the summer months.  In the agenda package, Trustees will have already seen some required changes to Policy 5: Trustee Code of Conduct are on the agenda this evening, as well as important areas of emphasis for this fall related to cell phones, social media sites, and vaping.     And finally, I would like to highlight the fact that almost 150 Limestone educators are participating in the annual Limestone Summer Institute earlier today and tomorrow morning. We are pleased to be able to provide this valuable learning opportunity to staff. This is just one example of learning that Limestone educators have been participating in this summer. As we all know, learning is a journey, not a destination, and we must always model learning to support the system and do the best we can to serve students.  <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Private Session Report - Presented by Vice-Chair Godkin </h3>Earlier in the evening during private session, the private session minutes from June 19, 2024, were approved. Executive Superintendent Young provided a personnel update which resulted in a motion and then that was followed by a property update. There was no other business conducted or motions passed in private session.  <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">OPSBA Report - Presented by Trustee McGregor</h3>Trustees attended the OPSBA Annual General Meeting. A new President was elected, Kathleen Woodcock. Currently in her sixth term as a Waterloo Region DSB Trustee, she has served the past two years as OPSBA’s First Vice-President. She will serve as president for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.  Following that meeting, the Eastern Region met, and Susan Humphries will continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Region. I declined to run as vice chair, but I did run for the Education Working Group, and I am delighted to say I was elected to serve on this group. There are various meetings upcoming on August 12, 28 and September 12, 2024.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Reports for Action:</h3><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">1. Short-term Borrowing Resolution for 2024-2025 School Year – Craig Young, Executive Superintendent: </h4>This is a cyclical report that comes back every year, sometimes also called the credit facility resolution or line of credit resolution. The Education Act requires the Treasurer of the Board to furnish to the bank a copy of the resolution(s) authorizing the borrowing of funds.   Periodically the Board is required to borrow funds for current operating purposes to provide interim financing until revenues are received from Municipalities and the Province. The operating resolution authorizes the signing officers of the Board to borrow operating funds when required to meet short-term cash flow needs. The dollar amount of the operating borrowing requirement has been set to a maximum of $20 million and is the same amount as in 2023-2024.  The Board is also required to arrange short-term bridge financing during the construction of major capital projects, capital additions/retrofits and for School Condition Improvement projects. The Board currently has credit facilities to cover all the required borrowing for the School Condition Improvement projects.   MOTION Moved by Trustee Morning, Seconded by Trustee Godkin:  That the Board authorize the signing officers of the Board to enter into agreements with the Royal Bank of Canada for the following:    <ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The borrowing of funds to meet operating requirements to a maximum of $20 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.   CARRIED. </li></ol><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">2. Policy 5: Trustee Code of Conduct – Krishna Burra, Director of Education: </h4>Policy 5 Trustee Code of Conduct has been renewed at various times based on legislative and/or regulatory requirements. It was last reviewed with resulting substantive changes as part of the bylaw and policy review that occurred in 2021. As a result of regulatory changes stemming from Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 updates are required. Recommended edits have been made to Policy 5 to comply with the regulatory requirements set out in Regulation 312/24.  (See Appendix A, page 24, in the <a href="/documents/06346cc4-6564-4cfa-b326-3840a972c996/Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20August%2021%202024.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013037" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Agenda Package</a>).  MOTION Moved by Trustee Elliott, Seconded by Trustee Godkin:  That Trustees approve the edits as outlined in Appendix A.  CARRIED.   <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Reports for Information:</h3><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">1. Interim Reporting Quarter 3, 2023-2024 – Paula Carson, Manager of Financial Services: </h4>The 2023-2024 Interim Financial Report was presented to the Board on April 24, 2024, and provided operating expenditures for the period September 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024 (Quarter 2).   The 2023-2024 Interim Financial Report covers the period ending May 31, 2024 (Quarter 3). As at Quarter 3, $243.9M of the $286.4M operating budget or 85% has been spent. This exceeds the 78% results from the same quarter last year by 7%. This increase is mainly due to the additional expenditures for the Bill 124 Remedy payments that were not part of the operating budget. These payments have been funded separately from the Ministry of Education. In addition, it is important to note, that expenditures are based upon items paid within the stated period. Certain expenditures may be non-cyclical in nature, which may lead to higher or lower expenditures within a given period. Due to additional payroll expenditures for the Bill 124 Remedy payments, it is expected that revenues will increase to cover the additional expenses and that the Board will end within the 2023-2024 fiscal year budgeted deficit of ($2.5M).   The report was received for information.  <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">2. PPM 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct – Cell Phones and Vaping – Patty Gollogly, Associate Superintendent, Amanda Posadowski, KFL&A Program Manager, and Steve Hedderson, Associate Superintendent provided the following report: </h4>To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, the LDSB, along with all Ontario school boards, is currently revising its Code of Conduct to reflect new guidelines from the Ministry of Education about cell phone/mobile device use and vaping in schools as per PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.  The regulations, as outlined in LDSB's Code of Conduct, Administrative Procedure 350 and Administrative Procedure 146, are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse among students, restricting the use of cell phones at school, and limiting access to social media at school.  PPM 128 addresses the critical need for school boards to enforce restrictions on the personal use of mobile devices within schools. This includes ensuring that policies are in place to regulate when and how mobile devices may be used by students, to minimize distractions, protect privacy, and promote an environment conducive to learning.  As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128 the updated Provincial Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all students to follow anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines, starting in September 2024. Read more about <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/personal/douglasja_limestone_on_ca/Documents/enhancing%20both%20the%20physical%20and%20digital%20well-being%20of%20students,%20ensuring%20a%20safer%20and%20more%20focused%20educational%20environment." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">LDSB’s expectations regarding PPM 128</a>.  LDSB and KFL&A Public Health are creating comprehensive educational materials, including posters, lesson plans, parent resources, and videos that vividly detail the dangers associated with vaping. As part of these efforts, LDSB is also piloting the installation of vape detectors in two of its secondary schools to monitor and curb vaping on school premises.  The report was received for information.  <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">3. See Yourself in Limestone: 2023-2028 Strategic Planning Process Branding – Krishna Burra, Director of Education: </h4>Trustees received an update on Phase 4 of the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) development and roll-out. This phase includes refreshed branding aimed at introducing the new MYSP to staff, students, families, and community members.  Under the Education Act, Section 169.1, School Boards are given the responsibility for student achievement and effective stewardship of resources. More specifically, School Board responsibilities include the following components: promoting student achievement and well-being; promoting a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils; promote the prevention of bullying; ensure effective stewardship of the board’s resources; develop and maintain policies; develop a MYSP aimed at achieving the goals; and annually reviewing the plan with the board’s director of education.  At the February 28, 2024, Board Meeting, Trustees approved the updates to Policy 1 that reflect Board decisions made regarding the<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/mission__vision___values" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">District’s Focused Intention, Mission, Vision, and Values</a> for the new MYSP, as well as the Strategic Plan Framework for 2024-2028.   As part of the implementation process, several LDSB branded materials have been updated to reflect the new MYSP Intention, Mission, Vision, and Values. Updated materials will be shared with schools over the coming weeks to be displayed in schools for quick reference by staff, students, families and community members. Trustees can expect to see new branded materials now and in the coming weeks: posters, banner-ups, interior signage, letterhead, website messaging, social media posts, and more. This branding update aligns well with the new LDSB website redesign that launched August 19, 2024. See it now at <a href="https://t.co/8Ulj50VjVz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">http://limestone.on.ca</a>.  Student and staff-focused videos along with ongoing communications will support engagement with students, staff, families and community.   The report was received for information.  There was no other business conducted. The next Board Meeting is September 18, 2024.

2024-08-26 18:59:02.368 +0000 UTC

Safe Arrival Absence Reporting System

<img src="/images/4fe66143-cd12-52c1-98ab-19e78189a640?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z" srcset="/thumbnails/4fe66143-cd12-52c1-98ab-19e78189a640?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 450w, /images/4fe66143-cd12-52c1-98ab-19e78189a640?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Starting January 14th, 2019 Granite Ridge Education Centre will be introducing a new absence reporting system called 'Safe Arrival.' The new system will let you use a mobile app, website, or an interactive toll-free phone number to report an absence in advance. These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your student is marked absent and the absence has not been reported in advance, our new Safe Arrival system will attempt to reach the student's priority contact by telephone to confirm the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, school office staff will follow up.  How to report an absence using Safe Arrival There are three ways to report your student's absence: 1.  Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store or from the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home" target="_blank" title="Messenger website">SchoolMessenger</a> website.  The first time you use the app, you will be required to 'Sign Up' to create an account. Please ensure you use the same email address that the school has on file. If the same email address is not used, you will be unable to create an account. Once logged into your account select 'Attendance,' then 'Report an Absence.'   2.  Using a computer, go to the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home" target="_blank" title="Messenger website">SchoolMessenger</a>  website.  The first time you use the app, you will be required to 'Sign Up' to create an account. Please ensure you use the same email address that the school has on file. If the same email address is not used, you will be unable to create an account. Once logged into your account select 'Attendance,' then 'Report an Absence.' 3.  Call the toll-free number 1-855-257-9349 to report an absence using the automated phone system. Please do not call the school directly to report your student's absence. Learn more on the<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/go/e7fcc59a-67b4-5cf1-90e4-731773feec4c" title="Website" target="_blank"> Limestone District School Board</a> website.

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

Secondary Adolescent Care Worker Appointments

<img src="/images/6e0d144a-02e6-5afe-912c-342741785e96?fingerprint=ppb20251217014029" srcset="/thumbnails/6e0d144a-02e6-5afe-912c-342741785e96?fingerprint=ppb20251217014029 450w, /images/6e0d144a-02e6-5afe-912c-342741785e96?fingerprint=ppb20251217014029 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Ms. Emily Mallett is the Adolescent Care Worker here at Granite Ridge Education Centre. She provides support to students who are experiencing social, emotional and mental health concerns that may be interfering with  their academic success. Emily acts as a student advocate and mentor; and also as a mediator for students who are experiencing difficulties with their peers. She provides support through individual and group counselling programs. Emily is the liaison between the school and several outside agencies.  Students can arrange an appointment by going to Student Services and Ms. Peters will book you an appointment. Students can also use the QR Code on the posters throughout the school to book an appointment themselves. Emily's time is shared with another school and therefore she may not always be in the building. If students need to speak with someone immediately and Emily is not available, please go to Student Services and ask for Ms. Steele-Drew or Ms. Rose.  Emily's office is located on the first floor in Student Services.

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

School-Day Permission & Payments

<img src="/images/9c831af3-2d5b-542b-a14e-b10f625cb747?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z" srcset="/thumbnails/9c831af3-2d5b-542b-a14e-b10f625cb747?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 450w, /images/9c831af3-2d5b-542b-a14e-b10f625cb747?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Limestone is excited to offer our families a new secure portal to complete permissions and payments online. With School-Day: Permissions & Payments, you will be able to complete permission forms and payments from any web browser using your SmartPhone, tablet, laptop or desktop.   Through this new online portal, you will be able to pay for items such as: <ul> <li>Field trips</li> <li>Sporting events</li> <li>Student cards/athletic fees</li> <li>Hot lunch (where applicable)</li> </ul>   The new easy-to-use portal will remove the risks associated with sending money to school with students, the frustration of lost or missing permission forms, and significantly reduce the amount of paper our school consumes.   Look for the School-Day Introduction Letter coming home with your child.  Use the instructions in it to sign up for a School-Day account at <a href="http://www.school-day.com" target="_blank" title="School-Day Link">www.school-day.com</a> and connect to your child’s events and activities.    With your support, we look forward to a successful implementation of this practical application!

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

Helping with Back to School Worries

<img src="/images/04a98db5-0798-51af-a9d1-c10ad4289e7e?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z" srcset="/thumbnails/04a98db5-0798-51af-a9d1-c10ad4289e7e?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 450w, /images/04a98db5-0798-51af-a9d1-c10ad4289e7e?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> 'Back to school has always been a time of transition. The end of summer. The apprehension. The excitement. And if it came with a bit of anxiety for your kids, well, that was to be expected. But back to school means something completely different this year as we deal with COVID-19. This year, the usual back-to-school pressures may be eclipsed by a more potent set of worries. The fundamental one: will our kids be safe?  Some parents have answered this question by opting for a virtual classroom. For those whose children will return to a school, all the new safety procedures—and whether they will work—is provoking anxiety both in parents and their children. At CMHA, we went in search of the best advice for dealing with the fears and stress of returning to school and discovered there are many ways to tame the worry. Have honest and open conversations. Ask them how they’re feeling and help them put their feelings into words. Naming and labelling feelings can help calm a child. Listen and let them know you understand, and that they’re not alone. Know that COVID may not be the only worry on your child’s mind. They may have everyday fears that come with going back to school. Reassure them. Focus on the things they can control and the active role that they can play in staying safe: like following the teacher’s instructions, social distancing and keeping their hands clean. Remind them that it won’t always be this way. It is just for now. You can also let them know they’re not alone: the other kids are feeling nervous too. Be aware of your own anxiety. If you’re feeling unsafe about your child going back to school, they will very likely pick this up. Reach out to your support network, including other parents to discuss your concerns, commiserate and brainstorm solutions. Don’t forget self-care. Make sure you and your children are eating and sleeping well, and generally taking care of your well-being. Tap into their excitement. Help them remember the best parts of school. It’s been many lonely months for them. Remind them they will get to see their friends and teachers every day. Remember you’re resilient. And so are your children: Six months ago, you might have wondered how you’d do it. With schools shut tight and your kids at home, it might have seemed impossible. But somehow you made it through. However hard it’s been, and might continue to be, remind yourself how resilient you and your children are.  Notice, though, if you or your child are having trouble coping and know when it’s time to reach out for help. With these tips in mind, we wish you all a healthy and safe back to school!'                                                 Taming your back-to-school worries                                                  Canadian Mental Health Association                                                                        September 11,2020 For this blog article and more information please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website at: <a href="https://cmha.ca/" target="_blank" title="Canadian Mental Health ">Canadian Mental Health Association</a>

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

Nut Free School

<img src="/images/1e38c47e-0c98-5d7c-b563-55e0df6fa2ce?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z" srcset="/thumbnails/1e38c47e-0c98-5d7c-b563-55e0df6fa2ce?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 450w, /images/1e38c47e-0c98-5d7c-b563-55e0df6fa2ce?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Parents/Guardians,    Starting Monday, November 20th, 2023, Granite Ridge Education Centre will go entirely nut free. There are several students and staff with severe anaphylactic reactions to nuts. Our Elementary Panel is already nut free, however starting on the 20th of this month our Secondary Panel will be nut free as well.       For our Elementary families, a reminder that Nutella is not permitted, as it is made with hazelnuts. If your student chooses to bring Wowbutter as an alternative please ensure the Wowbutter stickers located on the underside of the product label are included on your students lunch container to identify the spread as nut free. If there is no identification of the product a student may be asked not consume that part of their lunch, and will be provided with alternative food from our Food Sharing program.     We understand that being entirely nut free at GREC can be an inconvenience for some families; however the safety of all our students and staff when they are in the building is priority.      Again, we thank you for your understanding and help with achieving a safe and inclusive school for our entire GREC community.

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

Schools introduce Communicate broadcast tool

<img src="/images/78b59d6e-b833-563d-b27b-4d0b683f3cdd?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z" srcset="/thumbnails/78b59d6e-b833-563d-b27b-4d0b683f3cdd?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 450w, /images/78b59d6e-b833-563d-b27b-4d0b683f3cdd?fingerprint=20260607T0415Z 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Schools will begin using a new broadcasting tool to communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way. The “Communicate” system will allow us to share important school information with families via text, email or phone message. We will use this tool for urgent items like event cancellations or school emergencies. We may also use it for sharing information such as upcoming progress reports, school council meetings or special events. Secondary school families will be familiar with a previous version of the broadcast tool (Synrevoice) which allows schools to send messages about student attendance and other important school information. Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information collected in our student information system. Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts by text message, email or phone call with the exception of emergency events which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school. If parents/guardians choose to receive text messages, they must opt-in due to potential charges from their cell phone carrier. This feature will be turned on Nov. 15 and parents and guardians may receive a text asking if they wish to opt in. <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/48bbc50b-373e-5019-ae1d-7a37c047b5a4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013700" target="_blank"> Learn how to opt-in for text messages. </a> It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year. If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information. Teacher/Coach/Extra-Curricular Leader Messaging: In addition, teachers and coaches/leaders of extra-curricular activities will also be able to take advantage of an instant message option to keep students and families up to date regarding classroom or practice/game activities in a timely manner. Students and parents/guardians will be invited to join a group and receive messages related specifically to their group. Information on how to join groups will be shared directly with students and families by the teacher, coach/leader. <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/07694697-349d-51ff-a42c-a05550bd4f28?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050" target="_blank"> Learn how to join a group. </a> School Messenger App Account: All of our new electronic communications tools can be accessed anytime, anywhere online and/or via Smartphones. To take advantage of this new convenience and functionality, we encourage you to create a School Messenger account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place. <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/07694697-349d-51ff-a42c-a05550bd4f28?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050" target="_blank"> Learn how to create an account. </a> Communicate does not replace current school communication tools but enhances the way in which schools will provide information to families. In most cases, information will still be provided on school websites, school newsletters, notices home and social media accounts, where applicable. Parents/guardians should expect to receive notifications from the system soon.

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

LDSB Grads Awarded Thousands in Scholarships

<img src="/images/03a0fee8-5ffa-5f3f-bb26-835be4d07f5b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013025" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Several Limestone District School Board (LDSB) graduates have been awarded significant scholarships to put toward their post-secondary education this fall. Seth Morency has been selected to receive a $120,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study engineering at Dalhousie University. A graduate of La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School, Seth was awarded the scholarship based on his high academic achievement and positive leadership in the school and community.  “I didn’t think [the scholarship] was real at first,” Morency said. “I was in shock when I found it was, and I was super excited. My goal is to be an environmental engineer. My interest is in trying to find ways to clean up the ocean. This scholarship gives me confidence in being able to achieve my goals."Jonathan Li has been selected to receive a $100,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study science at the University of Toronto.  A graduate of Kingston Secondary School (KSS), Li was nominated for his academic excellence, leadership in STEM and exceptional entrepreneurial skills.  Vin Bassi, also from KSS, has been named a Queen’s University Commitment Scholar and will receive $48,000 over four years.According to the <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/financial-aid/application-required/future-students/individual-awards" class="editor-link">Queen’s website</a>, “the Commitment Scholars Award celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by a student in their high school or in their community.  The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree.” KSS graduate Izzy Smallman has been awarded an $8,000 <a href="https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/western_admission_scholarship_program.html" class="editor-link">Western Scholarship of Excellence</a> to put towards the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western University. This scholarship is awarded to students with the top high school admission average.  Congratulations to all LDSB graduates and scholarship winners!

2024-06-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Lara Paterson Receives Ophea Award

<img src="/images/fd3b7936-e74e-55cf-9642-4f5af02e6181?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Limestone District School Board is thrilled to announce that Lara Paterson, a dedicated member of the Limestone team, has been awarded the prestigious Ophea Award of Distinction.The Ophea Award of Distinction recognizes an individual who is a leader in the meaningful advancement of inclusive healthy, active living opportunities for children and youth in Ontario school communities. Lara has consistently demonstrated passion, creativity, and commitment in promoting health and wellness among our students, colleagues, and community.Nominees for this award must meet the eligibility requirements, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The contributions of the recipient’s impacts are regional and/or provincial in scope</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has demonstrated excellence in the areas of advocacy, partnership development, and/or the provision of quality, innovative, inclusive programming</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has made a long-term contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s children and youth</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">The recipient of this award is well known to Ophea for their contributions and years of service and support in service student well-being</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">The recipient’s work/volunteer contributions impact schools and/or communities (e.g. educators, public health workers, recreation providers, etc.)</li></ul>The Ophea Award of Distinction is presented in honour of Bing Caswell, a dedicated professional whose thought leadership and commitment led to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of health and physical education.On behalf of the Limestone District School Board, congratulations Lara! We are proud to have you as part of our team.

2024-06-10 00:00:00 +0000 UTC